cadet blogs

Winter leave is the first time you really get to leave the Academy for an extended period of time. I got to go home and enjoy a full three weeks of doing absolutely nothing. To go from all the military, academic, and athletic requirements to sleeping till 2 p.m., wearing normal clothes, and driving places, is a really good feeling. In the period I was home “doing nothing,” I managed to find time to hang out with old friends, go to NYC, and obviously spend time with family. I’m not sure whom I spent more time with, my family or my friends, but either way, it was good to see them.

I really appreciate small things that I didn’t necessarily think about or appreciate before coming to the Academy, like being able to make my own breakfast, and having a room to myself (not saying I don’t love my roommates). I was also able to go play hockey at our ice rink a few times, which was fun. It was at Navy and there was also a gym so that allowed me to stay in shape somewhat.

The part that nobody likes about winter leave is coming back, but it was not as bad as I expected it to be. I came back excited to see my friends at the Academy and three weeks was enough time to let me relax before classes. All in all, winter leave was a great thing, and something I needed, but now I’m ready to start the work again.